So almost 2 weeks since leaving BA and we have spent quite a lot of time on buses, or it feels like that at least!

First we had the 20hr bus to Iguazu which now seems really luxurious as we got proper meals and drinks and stuff, pretty much like an aeroplane. We did splash out slightly and go for almost full 'cama' but was probably worth it.

Then from Iguazu we wanted to get to Bolivia which is no mean feat. We headed for Salta in 2 buses so all together about 24 hrs and then from ther on to the Argentinian side of the border, La Quiaca a 7hr bus ride. From there we hopped over the border and got a minibus to Tupiza where we did actually sleep in a proper bed for once!

The morning after we headed to Uyuni through incredible countryside and on a windy, dirt track which took about 7 hrs.

And then of course La Paz which was an overnight bus from Uyuni.

Fair to say we're got used to them by now and of course have a few more to come.

So what have we actually done apart from sit on buses?

Iguazu Falls. We visited both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides at vast expense for us budget travellers. It was well worth it, I've seen Victoria and Niagara so I like waterfalls and right now Iguazu feels like it was much better than both of them. Well the Argentinian side was. The Brazilian side was a little disappointing, still cool but not too much to see, took us about 3 hours and you could just see an overview of the main falls. The Argentinian side we would definitely recommend. You can spend a day doing all the trails and seeing all the smaller waterfalls before the highlight of the platform above the main falls where you get spray in your face and can look down on the mass of water below!

Altitude. From when we entered Bolivia it became a bit of issue as we've been pretty much above 3000m ever since. I felt it in Tupiza but since then we're been pretty much alright, taking things slowly and trying to drink lots. You can always feel it though, a spectre every time you breath in or climb the stairs. We really are crazy high compared to little, old Exeter!

We didn't stop anywhere else until we made it to Uyuni and the Salt Flats. Now this was stressful, partly as the Champions League Final was on and I was torn between wanting to watch it and needing to book a tour, had to go for the tour in the end and settle for the highlights. We went on a 2 night, 3 day tour in which we visited the Salar de Uyuni on the first day. It is very cool, the enormity really struck me and the dazzling whiteness. Attempted to take some cool photos but my photography skills were sadly slightly lacking.

The tour overall was ok. Have realised we don't really like tour groups (only 6 of us) and we spent quite a while being bumped around in a jeep as we covered a big distance (not to mention the jeep occasionally breaking down!) The scenery was pretty special though with volcanos, coloured lakes and flamingos. We had to contend with a couple of freezing nights and some slightly dodgey food but I suppose it was worth it for the incredible bits in between. Made us both look forward even more to Costa Rica and summer again!

Now we've been in La Paz for a few days and really like it. It's on a hill and still really high which has us huffing and puffing quite often. There are great markets though and it feels so much more South American than BA, the people just look typically Bolivian and the women are dressed in the typical garb and hats. It's so colourful!

We head on to Peru tomorrow and it is feeling slightly like a whistle stop tour but then again we have done/are doing most of the major things in the areas we're going to. I wouldn't have wanted to cut anything out that we've done so far so think we've got it just about right!